Grinder



Oct. 31, 1933. R. R. HOLDEN 1,933,058

GRINDER Filed March 19, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 R. R. HOLDEN Oct. 31, 1933.

GR INDER Filed March 19, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 MN Q1 QM NNN R. R. HOLDEN Oct. 31, 1933.

GRINDER Filed March 19, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 M mggfx 7.? I

Patented Oct. 31 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE GRINDER,

Richard Roy Holden, Highland Park, Ill.

Application March 19, 1932. Serial No. 599,869

21 Claims. (Cl. 51204) This invention relates to grinders and has special reference to grinders for connection with trolley wires for grinding current-collecting shoes to proper shape when their inner surfaces which bear against the trolley wiresbecome distorted due to wear or other causes.

Trolley wires are usually supported by ears suspended from hangers on cross spans. These ears pass around the trolley wires and the current-collecting shoes in sliding along the wires pass under them. Due to constant wear on the current-collecting shoe, a narrow groove or channel is worn in the upper face of the shoe by the trolley wire, the upper sides of which channel are comparatively sharp and when passing under the ears tend to cut them and thus release the trolley wires or cause obstructions. However, if the shoes are maintained in proper shape, they slide under the ears without affecting the 20 same except for ordinary wear. The currentcollecting shoes are shaped so as to slide under the wire supports whether such supporting members be ears or any other means, and the shoes must be maintained in proper shape in order to avoid injury to the supporting member.

The present invention comprises a member adapted to be positioned on a trolley wire and may have an approach portion at each end. Intermediate the approach portions'or at the ends 30 of the device is an abrasive which in cross section is of substantially the same size and shape as a cross section of the inner surface of the current-collecting shoe so that as the trolley shoe passes over the abrasive portion, if it is distorted or out of shape, it will be ground back into proper shape. If desired, the device may be provided with a boss for attachment to a cross span and thus take the place of cars as supporting members in addition to acting as a grinder, although it may be secured to the wire to serve only as a grinding member.

An object of this invention is to provide a memberwhich may be positioned on a trolley wire for maintaining the current-collecting shoes passing thereunder in proper shape, and which, if desired, may also be used as a trolley wire support.

Another object of this invention is to provide a member adapted to be positioned on a trolley wire which is provided with an abrasive portion for grinding the inner face of the current-collecting shoes passing thereunder when they become deformed or out of shape.

A further object is to provide a device of the above referred to type which will not affect the current-collecting shoes if the current-collecting surface thereof has the correct shape.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a current-collecting shoe grinder which will be simple to manufacture, will be durable and stand long, hard usage, and which may be easily and securely positioned about a trolleywire or removed therefrom.

Further objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which latter:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a device embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational View of the device shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 44 of Fig. 1, showing the means for holds ing the trolley wire in the channel provided in the upper surface of the device; r

Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 55 of Fig. 2 showing the boss which may be used to secure the device to a cross spam.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the clamping member shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. '7 is a top plan view of another form of device covered by the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the device shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 99 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a cross sectional view partially in elevation taken on the line 10-10 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is 'a vertical cross sectional view taken on the line 11-11 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 13 is a cross sectional view taken on the line l3--13 of Fig. 12.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the present invention comprises a current-collecting shoe shaping member having a main body portion 1 with a channel 2 therein which may be upwardly'bowed. Approach members 3 and 4 may be secured to the ends ofthe body member 1, or, if desired, they may be formed integrally therewith. Intermediate the ends of the body member 1 is a portion of abrasive material 5 which in cross section outline ,is of substantially the same size and shape as the outline'of a cross section of the contacting surface of the current-collecting shoe so that as the current-collecting shoe passes over the abrae sive portion 5, it will be ground back into proper shape if it is distorted or out of shape.

The abrasive portion is preferably a plastic moldable composition containing dispersed therein individual grains of an abrasive substance harder than the wire or other metal of which the current-collecting shoe is made, such, for example, as aluminum oxide of the corundum type, emery, carborundum, etc., in a matrix of hardened phenol resin or other suitable binder. Running longitudinally along the under side of the body member and connecting the ends thereof may be a thin strip of metal 6, such as copper or brass, of which the approaches may also be made.

If the current-collecting shoe is misshaped, it will be ground by passing under the abrasive portion, while if it is properly shaped, it will slide along the metal strip 6 and will be substantially unaffected by the abrasive portion. For this purpose, it may be desirable to have the strip 6 extend very slightly below the abrasive portion. 7

Perforations 7 and 7a are formed in the connecting member 6 and main body portion 1, respectively, so that when the abrasive material 5 is molded or otherwise secured to the body member 1, the two sides thereof will be connected through the perforations 7 and to the body portion 1, thus forming a solid connection between the abrasive portion and the body member 1.

The body member 1 is provided with flanges 8 adjacent each end, in which are openings for receiving bolts or the like. The approaches 3 and 4 are of usual construction with a portion 10 (Fig. 6) for fitting into the channel 2 at the ends of the main body portion 1 and sides 11 adapted to be peened about the trolley wire. The approaches are fastened to the main body portion 1 by bolts or the like passing through the flange 9 of the approaches and the flange 8 with the portion 10 of the approaches extending down into the channels 2 to engage the trolley wire therein.

In positioning the device with respect to a trolley wire, the wire is inserted in the groove 2. The approaches 3 and 4 with the portion 10 thereof engaging the upper surface of the wire are then bolted to the flanges 8 which forces the trolley wire tightly down in the grooves 2. The sides 11 of the approaches are then peened about the trolley wire. With this arrangement the device is rigidly secured in place and may be easily removed from the trolley wire by spreading the sides of the approaches 3 and 4 and removing the approaches. If it is desired further to use the device as a supporting member to take the place of cars or other means employed for supporting the trolley wire, a tapped boss 12 may be secured to the upper surface of the body member 1. Thus by threading the boss 12 onto the threaded portion of a hanger which may be secured to a cross span, the whole device may be used to support the trolley wire as well as serving as a grinder for the current-collecting shoes.

The form of device shown in Figs. 7 to 11 is a modification of the form shown in Figs. 1 to 6. In the modified form the. device is made of two pieces, the upper member 13 of'which may be permanently connected to the trolley wire and to hangers on the cross span, if desired. A lower member 14 is connected to the upper member 13 and is formed with approaches and a grinding surface. The upper member 13 is formed with an upwardly bowed channel 15 in which the trolley wire seats. Notches 16 and 17 extend inwardly from the sides of the upper member 13 adjacent the outer ends of the upwardly bowed channel 15. Downwardly extending portions 1'7 are provided adjacent the ends of the upper member 13 and are provided with a channel in the lower surface thereof which is substantially a continuation of the channel 15. To connect the upper member 13 to the trolley wire, it is merely necessary to run the wire under one of the downwardly extending members 17 through the slot 16 adjacent thereto over the upwardly bowed channel 15, then 20 down through the other slot and under the downwardly extending portion at the opposite end. A tapped boss 18 may be attached to the upper surface of the upper member 13 by which connection may be made with a hanger on a cross span.

The lower member 14 is provided with approaches 19 connected together by a connecting strip 20 which may be formed integrally with the approach portions. An abrasive portion 21, similar to that described with respect to Figs. 1 to 6, is positioned intermediate the approach portions. The lower member 14 is preferably formed with channels 22 in which the downwardly extending portions 17 of the upper member 13 fit, so as properly to position the members with respect to each other. To attach the bottom member 14 to the upper member 13 after the latter has been connected to the trolley wire, the lower member 14 is held against the upper member 13 with the downwardly extending portions 1'? on'the upper member fitting into the grooves 22 in the lower member. Bolts 23 may be inserted through the flanged portions 24 and 25 and nuts 26 secured on the ends thereof. The sides of the approaches 19 are then peened over the trolley wire and the device is ready for use. This last may suffice to hold the upper and lower portions. together without the use of any bolts as fastening means.

The modified form of apparatus shown in Figs. 12 and 13 is substantially the same as that shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the only change being that substantially smooth members are imbedded'in the upper sides of the abrasive portion 5 so that friction between the trolley shoe and the apparatus is greatly reduced.

When the devices shown in Figs. 1 to 11 are employed on trolley bus lines there is some tendencyfor the trolley shoes to jump the wires when the bus is not directly under the same, due to the friction between the abrasive and the trolley shoes. By covering the upper part of the abrasive portion 5 with a substantially smooth material, such as metal as shown in 5 Figs. 12 and 13, friction is reduced and the disadvantage is obviated.

In the form of construction shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the body member 1 has extending downwardly therefrom, and preferably formed inte grally therewith, members 27 which may be formed of copper or other material of which the body portion 1 is made. Thus, when the plastic abrasive material is molded, the portion shownin Figs. 12 and 13 comprising the sides 27 and the abrasive 5 is the same size and shape as the abrasive portion 5 shown in Figs. 1 to 11.

In forming the devices shown in the figures it has been found preferable to place the main body portion 1 in the mold and then force the plastic abrasive material through the openings 7a, although the molding may be done in any desired manner.

By the present invention 1 have provided a current-collecting shoe grinding member which may be connected to the trolley wire at desired intervals therealong so that the current-collecting shoes passing thereunder, if they are out of shape, are ground back to proper form by the abrasive portions, while if they are properly shaped, they will slide along the lower-edge of the connecting members between the approaches and will be substantially unaffected by the abrasive portion. This device may be connected to the hangers on the cross spans to take the place of cars as supporting members or they may be supported by the trolley wires and positioned between the cross spans. The invention maybe easily placed in connection with or removed from the trolley wire.

While I have shown and described certain embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and therefore, I wish to be limited only by the prior art and the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

'1. A device of the class described comprising a member for being secured to a trolley wire and having a grinding portion thereon for grinding the current-collecting shoes passing. thereunder.

2. A device of the class described comprising a body member for being secured to a trolley wire and having an abrasive portion for grinding the current-collecting shoes passing thereunder.

3. A device of the class described comprising a body member for being secured to a trolley wire and having an abrasive portion formed of material harder than the metal of which the currentcollecting shoe is made for grinding the current-collecting shoes passing thereunder.

4. A device of the class described comprising a member for being secured to a trolley wire and having an abrasive portion which in cross section is substantially the same shape and size as the cross section of the upper surface of a current-collecting shoe for maintaining the trolley shoes passing thereunder in proper shape.

5. A device of the class described comprising a member for being secured to a trolley wire and having a portion of plastic moldable composition containing dispersed therein grains of an abrasive substance harder than the metal of which the current-collecting shoe is made, for grinding the current-collecting shoes passing thereagainst to maintain them in proper shape.

6. A device of the class described comprising a member for being secured to a trolley wire and having an abrasive portion containing grains of aluminum oxide for grinding trolley shoes passing thereunder.

'7. A device of the class described comprising a member for being secured to a trolley wire and having an abrasive portion of corundum for grinding trolley shoes passing thereunder.

8. A device of the class described comprising a member for being secured to a trolley wire and having a portion of abrasive material for grinding a current-collecting shoe passing thereunder and a strip of non-abrasive material extending I through said abrasive portion and being substantiallyflushwith'the lower surface thereof, for controlling the grinding effect of the abrasive on the current-collecting shoe.

9. A device of the class described comprising a member forbeing secured to atrolley wire and having a portion of abrasive material for grinding a current-collecting shoe passing thereunder and a strip of non-abrasive metal extending through said abrasive portion and being substantially. flush with the lower surface thereof for controlling the grinding effect of the abrasive on the current-collecting shoe.

10. A device of the class described comprising a member for being secured to a trolley wire and having a' portion of abrasive material for grinding a current-collecting shoe passing thereunder and a strip of copper extending through said abrasive portion and being substantially flush with the lower surface thereof for controlling the grinding effect of the abrasive on the current-collecting shoe.

11. A device of the class described comprising a member having an abrasive portion thereon for grinding current-collecting shoes passing thereunder, and means for securing said member to a trolley wire.

12. A device of the class described comprising a member having approach portions at the end thereof and an abrasive portion, and means for securing said member to a trolley wire.

13. A device of the class described comprising a member, means for securing said member to a trolley wire, said member having approach portions of current-conducting material at the ends thereof and an abrasive portion between said approach portions for grinding current-collecting shoes passing thereunder.

14. A device of the class described comprising a member having approaches at each end thereof, means for securing said member to a trolley wire, a strip of non-abrasive material connecting said approaches and an abrasive portion positioned about said strip having the lower surface thereof substantially flush with the non-abrasive s rip.

15. A device of the class described comprising a member having a channel in the upper surface thereof for receiving a trolley wire, means for holding the trolley wire in said channel, approach portions at each end of said member and an abrasive portion intermediate said approach portions for grinding the current-collecting shoe passing thereunder.

16. A device of the class described comprising a bcdymember having a channel in the upper surface thereof for receiving a trolley wire, means for holding the trolley wire in said channel, approach portions of current-conducting material at each end of saidmember, and a connecting strip of material similar to that used in the approach portions connecting said approach portions, and a portion of abrasive material positioned about said connecting strip and having the lower surface thereof substantially flush with the lower surface of the connecting strip.

17. A device of the class described comprising an upper member for connection with a trolley wire and a lower member attached thereto having an abrasive portion for grinding currentcollecting shoes passing thereunder.

18. A device of the class described comprising a body member having an upper portion for permanent connection with a trolley wire, a lower portion removably connected thereto having ap-' proach portions and an abrasive portion between said approach portions for grinding currentcollecting shoes passing thereunder.

19. A device of the class described comprising a member for being secured to a trolley wire with a portion extending downwardly therefrom for engagement with current-collecting shoes passing thereunder, said downwardly extending portion having an abrasive portion adjacent the lower end for grinding the current-collecting shoes passing thereunder, the opposite sides of said downwardly extending portion being substantially smooth.

20. A device of the class described comprising a member for being secured to a trolley wire with a substantially U-shaped portion extending downwardly-therefrom for engagement with the upper surface of a current-collecting shoe passing thereunder, the lower end of said downwardly extending portion having an abrasive portion for registering with the current-collecting surface of the shoe, the sides of said downwardly extending portion between said abrasive portion and said member secured to the trolley wire being formed of substantially smooth material.

21. A device of the class described comprising a member for being secured to a trolley wire with a portion extending downwardly therefrom for engagement with current-collecting shoes passing thereunder, said downwardly extending portion having an abrasive portion adjacent the lower end thereof shaped to register with the current-collecting surfaces of the shoes to grind said shoes passing under said device, the opposite sides of said portion being formed of substantially smooth material.

RICHARD ROY HOLDEN. 

